Working with you to advance your Electronic Warfare capability

MASS provides Electronic Warfare Operational Support services and solutions on a global scale, focused across the Land, Air and Maritime domains

Electronic Warfare Operational Support Services

EW systems are growing in diversity and sophistication, with new sensor technologies continually generating large, complex data sets. EW Centres need sophisticated data management applications to transform the information from these increasingly complex sensors into usable intelligence. In the operational domain it is essential that the right intelligence is made available to support decision making in order to provide accurate situational awareness.

THURBON® is an unparalleled EW data management system, providing organisations with a fully integrated suite of tools for the management, processing and storage of complex platform, sensor and weapon system data.

Training is often overlooked by organisations and viewed as an unnecessary drain on time and resources. However, effective skills-based EW training programmes can significantly improve the performance of your personnel and your organisation. Whether it's designing training to meet a specific requirement or undertaking one of our numerous off-the-shelf courses, MASS can support the development of your personnel which will improve operational effectiveness. Our first-class training programmes can be delivered at our sophisticated UK-based training centre or overseas.

As threat systems increase in complexity and become more prolific, the emphasis on platform protection increases. Working for the UK MoD and other nations, supporting the full Threat Vulnerability Analysis and Countermeasure Development (TVACD) lifecycle, MASS is at the forefront of platform protection, developing countermeasures that enhance the protection and survivability of your platforms.

Traditionally the development of countermeasures has been a costly and lengthy process involving expensive military platforms and personnel conducting trials activities on instrumented threat ranges, often with limited threat systems. Modern modelling and simulation tools can significantly reduce the time and cost in producing effective countermeasures. MASS has combined our software development skills with many years of operational experience and developed a modular suite of tools, CounterWorX, that supports the Threat Vulnerability Analysis and Countermeasure Development (TVACD) lifecycle.

Our expert advice and consultancy is tailored to meet your EW needs. Whether you require advice on procurement planning, requirements analysis, technical evaluations, or research studies, our electronic warfare specialists will provide you with advice based upon their many years of experience working in industry and operations. Being completely independent from EW equipment manufacturers, the decisions you make will be based upon trusted and impartial advice.

EW Training Courses

An organisation's ability to LEARN, and translate that learning into ACTION rapidly is the ultimate COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE.

(Jack Welch, former General Electric CEO)

Through undertaking Electronic Warfare (EW) courses, designed against your training objectives, you can advance your organisation's EW knowledge and operational capabilities. The MASS Electronic Warfare training courses range from foundation level EW, covering basic principles and applications, to a Masters' degree in science. Many of our courses are accredited by academic institutions including the University of Lincoln.

Training takes place at our dedicated training centre in Lincoln or at a location agreed with you. We use a mix of sophisticated modelling and electronic warfare simulation tools in operationally focused scenarios which support the training delivered in the classroom.

THURBON® Data Management System

Managing EW data and organising collected intelligence into a single source supports the operational decision maker and is crucial for effective platform and weapon system operations. THURBON provides that essential operational support and enhanced situational awareness, supporting a common approach across different environments.

Developed by EW users for EW users, through THURBON you have the capability to manage, process and store complex platform, sensor and weapon system data in a single source, supporting your intercept analysis, EOB production and mission planning.

THURBON, in use around the world, delivers coherent and consistent intelligence from the most sophisticated military platforms and sensor networks enhancing operational efficiency and reducing support costs. It is simple to integrate, use and configure.

Countermeasures Development

Countermeasure development by MASS analyses the effectiveness of protection technologies on threats, helping enhance platform protection and maximise survivability. Working across the threat vulnerability analysis and countermeasure development lifecycle, MASS' operational and scientific expertise increases your mission success through robust and proven platform protection.

MASS is the leading operations support provider for UK MOD. We provide the same quality of Electronic Warfare Operational Support solutions to all of our customers. Through MASS' services, you can achieve operational independence in countermeasure development.

Providing the solutions or products you require, we can provide a one-off service or a comprehensive managed service and full TVACD lifecycle support.

Modelling & Simulation

Harnessing unique in-house developed technologies, our experienced specialists have developed a modular suite of modelling and simulation software tools. These tools reduce the cost and time for analysing threat systems, modelling their performance and producing countermeasures or ploys. Our toolset simplifies the reverse engineering of complex weapon systems through using open source information. The threat system analysis, modelling and simulation included in the toolset provide unprecedented technical capability for countermeasure development and engagement simulation across all operational domains.

Known as CounterWorX, this modular suite of software tools can be used individually or collectively to support and enhance electronic warfare countermeasure development.

Our electronic warfare simulation and training tools also support your organisation's training needs. Operationally focused, our toolset reinforces the EW training that is delivered to match your requirements. This training can be completed at our renowned UK training facility, or at a location to suit you using our deployed capabilities.

A real-time simulated operational environment for operators to build their EW skills

The central database for the suite

Consultancy

Being completely independent from electronic warfare hardware and software manufacturers, MASS is able to provide trusted and impartial advice.

As a long-term UK MOD supplier, we understand the equipment that is required for successful electronic warfare operations. Additionally, we know how to program the most sophisticated of systems, and we are experienced in using specialist equipment in operational theatres of war.

Our consultants bring with them many years of experience working in industry, defence laboratories, front-line operations and EW support centres. They work closely with your teams to assess your unique EWOS requirements, going on to provide you with essential support, including reliable advice for smart procurement planning.

Electronic Warfare (EW) - Foundation

Course duration: 15 days

Entry criteria: No prior knowledge of EW is required prior to attendance.

The course will provide personnel with an introduction to EW and Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), enabling personnel to progress to further (role specific) training or fulfil a position within an intelligence related organisation.

Technical English Language

Course duration: 5 days

Entry criteria: Students are expected to be able to communicate in English at IELTS level 5 (or equivalent).

This course will provide personnel, for whom English is a second language, with the knowledge and skills to understand and use technical English phrases and words that are not in common use in daily conversational English or written communications. The course concentrates on technical English language used in Electronic Warfare (EW) as well as military phrases and terminology in regular use by Joint Forces on Operations and during Operational Planning.

Course Content

The Technical English Language course modules will include the following topics:

Linguistics

Technical vocabulary tuition

Military vocabulary

Operational vocabulary

Practical language tutorials, to include:

Word puzzles

Quizzes

Discussion groups

Student presentations

Problem solving

Communications Electronic Support Measures (CESM) - Foundation

Course duration: 10 days

Entry criteria: Completion of the EW Foundation Course would be beneficial prior to attendance.

The course will provide personnel with training and knowledge of Communications Electronic Warfare Support Measures (CESM) theory in order to prepare for CESM operator roles.

Communications Electronic Support Measures (CESM) - Advanced

Course duration: 10 days

Entry criteria: Completion of the CESM Foundation course or at least 1 year operational CESM experience would be beneficial prior to attendance.

The course will provide personnel with an in-depth knowledge of Communications Electronic Support Measures (CESM). Upon successful completion, personnel will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of complex signals and data exploitation concepts, with an emphasis on modern Communications systems and emerging capabilities.

Course Content

The CESM Advanced course modules will include the following topics:

Propagation, antennas and complex wave forms

Intelligence Collection Plan (ICP)

Production of appropriate level Intelligence reports

Prioritise target tasks for search / intercept plans

Analogue and Digital communications including:

Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)

Terrestrial Trunk Radio (TETRA)

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

Global System for Mobile (GSM) Communications infrastructure and associated architecture

High Powered Cordless Phones (HPCP)

Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax)

Synchronous and asynchronous techniques

Radar Electronic Warfare Support Measures (RESM) - Foundation

Course duration: 10 days

Entry criteria: Completion of the EW Foundation Course would be beneficial prior to attendance.

The course will provide personnel with training and knowledge of Radar Electronic Warfare Support Measures (RESM) / Radar Fundamentals theory in order to prepare the students for RESM operator roles.

Course Content

The RESM Foundation course modules will include the following topics:

RESM in the modern Battle-space

Radar fundamentals and principles

Radar parameters

Radar weapon systems

Introduction to Electronic Order of Battle (EOB)

EW Databases

Roles and responsibilities of the RESM operator and EW Supervisor

Introduction to ELINT

Radar Electronic Warfare Support Measures (RESM) - Advanced

The course will provide personnel with an in-depth knowledge of Radar Electronic Support Measures (ESM) / Radar Techniques focussing on analysis, reporting and planning techniques. Upon successful completion, personnel will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of advanced radar techniques and specialist radar applications.

Analysis - Advanced

Course duration: 10 days

Entry criteria: Previous experience as an intelligence analyst is essential.

The Analysis Advanced course is designed for experienced analysts operating in multithreat environments. It details an analyst's role throughout the intelligence process, teaches a range of analytical and presentational techniques and introduces analysts to Critical Thinking. It details how bias, values, experiences and assumptions affect decisions and conclusions. It provides senior personnel with the skills to operate at the strategic level and to serve General-level officers directly.

Course Content

The Analysis Advanced course modules will include the following topics:

Revising an analyst's role in the Intelligence Cycle, generating Information Requirements and writing a Collection Plan

Understanding the benefits and shortfalls of the principal Collection types

Writing an intelligence product suitable for a senior readership

Applying Critical Thinking, the components of an argument and the most common biases and fallacies to intelligence analysis

Understanding how key assumptions and the quality of information affect intelligence analysis

Radar Signal Processing

Course duration: 5 days

Entry criteria: Personnel must have completed the EW Foundation course or equivalent prior to attendance.

The course will provide an in-depth understanding of Radar signal processing and receiver design considerations, equipping personnel with the knowledge and skills to understand and exploit Radar signal processing chains. Theory lessons are consolidated by exercises and case studies through the use of modelling and simulations.

Course Content

The Radar Signal Processing course modules include the following topics:

Generic Signal processing architectures

Design considerations and mechanisms used with different signal processing chains including:

Surveillance Radar processing

Doppler processing

Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI) processing

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) processing

Robust Radar

Course duration: 10 days

Entry criteria: Personnel should have some experience of mathematics including linear algebra, complex numbers and calculus.

This Master of Science (MSc) degree-related course is designed to enable personnel to study Radar systems and their robustness to intentional interference or Electronic Countermeasures (ECM).

Course Content

The Robust Radar course modules include the following topics:

Roles of Radar systems and ECM in an operational context

Detection and tracking performance of a Radar system in the presence of noise and clutter

Calculation of antenna characteristics

Principles of various Radar signal processing techniques

Configurations and forms of ECM and prediction of effects

Descriptions of Electronic Protection Measures (EPM)

Electro Optical / Infra Red Systems

Course duration: 10 days

Entry criteria: Personnel should have experience of advanced EOIR engineering.

This Master of Science (MSc) degree-related course is designed to enable personnel to study Electro Optics and Infra Red (EOIR) Systems and their robustness to intentional interference or Electronic Countermeasures (ECM).

Course Content

The EOIR Systems course modules will include the following topics:

Review of EOIR systems

Blackbody radiation, reflection and transmission of radiation

Types of Transduction

Typical calculations relating to EOIR spectral regions

Optical engineering

Concepts of active and passive EOIR systems

Tracking control of EOIR systems

Determination of a robust EOIR system

Air and Maritime Platform Protection - Foundation

Course duration: 5 days

Entry criteria: Completion of the EW Foundation Course would be beneficial prior to attendance.

The course will provide personnel with an awareness of the primary factors involved in the vulnerability and protection of air and maritime platforms.

Course Content

The Air and Maritime Platform Protection foundation course modules will include the following topics:

Threat systems

Platform vulnerability including:

Radar Cross Section (RCS)

Infra-Red (IR) Signature

Stealth technology overview

Threat avoidance

Threat detection

Countering the threat through:

Jamming (including noise and deception techniques)

Expendables and Decoys (including Chaff and Flare)

Defensive tactics

Introduction to Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD)

Air and Maritime Platform Protection - Advanced

Course duration: 5 days

Entry criteria: Completion of the EW Foundation and the Air and Maritime Platform Protection Foundation courses would be beneficial prior to attendance.

The course builds on the Air and Maritime Platform Protection Foundation course, equipping personnel with enhanced knowledge of the vulnerabilities and protection of Air and Maritime platforms.

Course Content

The Air and Maritime Platform Protection Advanced course modules will cover the following topics:

Anti-Submarine Warfare

Course duration: TBC (as per customer requirements)

Entry criteria: No previous ASW experience is required as modules will be selected to fit individual customer requirements.

The course will provide personnel with training in modern principles of Sonar, focusing primarily on Passive Sonar in an operational environment. The course has been designed to be modular with customers able to select the elements that are required for their particular needs.

Course Content

The Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) course modules can include the following areas:

Threat Vulnerability Analysis and Countermeasures Development

Course duration: 5 days

Entry criteria: Personnel should have completed the Air and Maritime Platform Protection Foundation and Advanced courses prior to attendance.

The course will provide Air and Maritime personnel, involved in Platform Protection, with an introduction to threat vulnerability analysis and the subsequent development of effective Countermeasures (CM).

Course Content

The Threat Vulnerability Analysis and Countermeasures Development (TVACD) course modules include the following topics:

EW Threat Vulnerability Analysis (TVA) of:

Radio Frequency (RF) systems

Electro-Optics (EO) systems

Infra-Red (IR) systems

Receiver techniques influencing selection of jamming techniques

Engagement modelling

Assessment of generic CM effectiveness

Optimisation of CM versus the threat

CM robustness development

Weapon System Exploitation

Course duration: 10 days

Entry criteria: Personnel should have completed the Radar Signal Processing course or equivalent prior to attendance.

The Weapon System Exploitation course builds on the Radar Signal Processing course and will provide personnel with the knowledge required to build candidate weapon system models from Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) data for subsequent exploitation and Countermeasures (CM) development.

Course Content

The Weapon System Exploitation course modules will include the following topics:

Radar and sensor principles, capabilities and applications

Missile design and performance

ELINT analysis techniques for exploitation

Weapon system modelling and simulation

Receivers and Jamming techniques

Threat detection, tactics and CM development

EW Operational Support (EWOS) processes

EW data management systems

Countermeasures Design

Course duration: 5 days

Entry criteria: Personnel should have completed the Weapon System Exploitation Introduction course or Introduction to Threat Vulnerability and Countermeasures Development course prior to attendance.

The Countermeasures (CM) Design course builds on the Weapon System Exploitation course and will provide personnel with in-depth knowledge and skills for exploiting and understanding CM techniques, allowing the construction of candidate CM tactics.

Theory lessons are consolidated by exercises and case studies through the use of CM techniques built into defensive tactics.

Course Content

The CM Designer course modules will include the following topics:

Design of CM techniques and their incorporation into a defensive tactic

Principles of CM techniques

Design and application of:

Chaff programs

Flare programs

ECM techniques

Defensive manoeuvres

Decoy techniques

CM tactics

Countermeasures Development and Platform Protection

Course duration: 10 days

Entry criteria: Personnel should have completed the Countermeasures Design course or equivalent prior to attending this course.

The Countermeasures (CM) Development and Platform Protection course utilises modelling software and builds on the CM Design course. The course will provide personnel with the knowledge to determine the susceptibility of a platform and establish the vulnerabilities of threat weapon systems. This information will be used to develop CM to maximise platform survivability.

Theory lessons are consolidated by exercises and case studies through the use of engagement modelling software

Course Content

The CM Development and Platform Protection course modules will include the following topics:

EW threat analysis to identify vulnerabilities such as:

Radio Frequency (RF) systems

Electro-Optic (EO) systems

Infra-Red (IR) systems

Threat receiver techniques influencing jamming selection

Influence of Low Observable technologies on the CM process

Threat detection and selection of the appropriate tactics and CM development process

Processes and procedures used in developing CM

Engagement simulations using modelling software

Basic Operational Intelligence (OPINT)

Course duration: 20 days

Entry criteria: Personnel must be computer literate and would benefit from previous experience in the intelligence arena.

The Basic Operational Intelligence Course provides personnel with the ability to deliver functional intelligence products in an operational environment. It introduces personnel to, and practises them in, intelligence processes, covering the Intelligence Cycle, Collection Management, Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield, Writing for Release and writing various forms of intelligence summary.

Understanding the probability yardstick and differentiating between comment and assessment

Communications Intelligence (COMINT) Analysis

Course duration: 10 days

Entry criteria: Although not a prerequisite, it would be beneficial for personnel to have completed the EW Foundation course and/or fulfilled the role of a COMINT operator prior to attendance.

Using a combination of lectures, practical exercises and scenarios, this course will provide knowledge and understanding of Communications Intelligence (COMINT) analysis enabling personnel to carry out the roles and responsibilities of a COMINT analyst.

Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) Analysis

Course duration: 5 days

Entry criteria: In order to maximise the effectiveness of this training, attendees should have a basic knowledge of Radar theory as a prerequisite.

The course will provide knowledge and understanding of Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) analysis enabling personnel to perform the duties of an ELINT analyst. Upon successful completion of this course using a combination of lectures, practical exercises and scenarios, attendees will be fully conversant with the role and responsibilities of the ELINT analyst.

Course Content

The ELINT analysis course modules will include the following topics:

Electromagnetic (EM) wave propagation

Radar theory from an ELINT perspective

Radar parametrics to include:

Pulsed Radar waveforms

Complex RF agile systems

Inter-pulse and Intra-pulse modulation types

ELINT support to EW operations

ELINT principles to include:

Tasking

Collection

Analysis

Reporting

Geospatial Intelligence

Course duration: 5 days

Entry criteria: No previous Geospatial Intelligence knowledge is required to participate in this course.

The course will provide personnel with an overview and working knowledge of Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) via the use of Imagery, Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) and Geospatial information.

Course Content

The Geospatial Intelligence course modules will include the following topics:

Imagery interpretation principles, techniques and procedures

Collation, analysis and evaluation of imagery

Use of geospatial information including:

Maps

Charts

Grid systems

On-line mapping tools

Mosaic construction

Imagery manipulation

Dissemination of IMINT

Production of imagery for inclusion in target packs

Analysis of:

Terrain

Structures and Installations

Urban conurbations

Battle Damage Assessment (BDA)

Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Collection and Analysis

Course duration: 5 days

Entry criteria: Personnel must be computer literate and would benefit from previous experience as an intelligence analyst.

The Open Source Intelligence Collection and Analysis course is designed to improve the open-source collection skills of personnel and to provide the knowledge to overcome the risks of using open-source material. The course focuses on internet collection.

Course Content

The OSINT Collection and Analysis course modules will include the following topics:

Information Operations (Info Ops)

The course will provide personnel with knowledge of Information Operations (Info Ops) in the ever-evolving sphere of Command & Control Warfare (C2W).

Course Content

The Information Operations course modules will include the following topics:

Computer Network Operations (CNO)

Psychological Operations (PsyOps) / Media Operations

Physical destruction (to include Directed Energy Weapons (DEW))

Military presence, posture and profile

Information Security (InfoSec) / Operational Security (OPSEC)

Military deception

Electronic Warfare (EW) in support of Info Ops

Battle-space Spectrum Management (BSM)

Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) / Important legal considerations

Electronic Warfare Junior Manager

Course duration: 5 days

Entry criteria: Successful completion of EW Foundation Course or previous experience as an EW Operator would be highly beneficial.

The EW Junior Managers course is designed to introduce EW Supervisors to EW mission planning and the formal processes behind EW deployments. Attendees will be furnished with the skills required to successfully deploy EW sensors against a variety of target types and to manage the deployed assets and EW personnel.

Course Content

The EW Junior Mangers course modules will include the following areas:

Electronic Warfare Joint Staff

Entry criteria: No prior knowledge is required in order to participate in this course although a basic understanding of EW would be beneficial.

The course will provide Air, Land and Maritime personnel with in-depth knowledge of Electronic Warfare (EW) Staff responsibilities and an overview of EW support to the Joint Force Commander (JFC). Attendees will gain an appreciation of offensive EW effects and techniques, enabling a more successful contribution to EW Staff planning at the Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) level.

EW support to the Find Fix Finish Exploit Analyse and Disseminate (F3EAD) cycle

EW Intelligence briefings

Electronic Warfare Operational Support (EWOS)

Course duration: 5 days

Entry criteria: No prior knowledge is required but completion of the EW Foundation course, prior to attendance, would be beneficial.

The course will provide personnel with knowledge and understanding of how a typical Electronic Warfare Operational Support (EWOS) Centre provides the requisite EW support to operational Frontline formations. The purpose and capabilities of an EWOS centre are covered along with the development processes used to provide EW mission data and guidance.

Course Content

The EWOS course modules will include the following topics:

Purpose of an EWOS centre

Responsibilities and functions of the various departments within an EWOS centre

Skill sets required within an EWOS centre

Use of information technology within an EWOS centre

Intelligence feeds required by an EWOS centre

Use of the EWOS product (mission data; including countermeasures, EW training and guidance)

Electronic Warfare Data Management Systems

Course duration: 5 days

Entry criteria: No prior knowledge is required in order to attend this course.

The course will provide personnel with theoretical and practical experience of Electronic Warfare (EW) Data Management Systems (EWDMS). The requirement for effective data management to support EW will be covered along with the necessary structures and features of a modern EWDMS. Access to advanced EWDMS application software will be provided to support practical exercises.

Course Content

The EW Data Management Systems course modules will include the following topics:

Database formats

Principles of EW Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS)

Sub-divisions of an EW database

The principles of:

EW Intelligence capture

Using a database to analyse data

Database support to EW equipment

Electronic Orders of Battle (EOB) production

ISTAR Manager

Course duration: 10 days

Entry criteria: Personnel must be computer literate and would benefit from previous experience in the intelligence arena.

The ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) Managers' Course provides personnel with the knowledge to manage the processes across the Intelligence Cycle with a focus on Requirements Management and Collection Management.

Course Content

The ISTAR Manager's course modules will include the following topics:

Revising the Intelligence Cycle

Revising the capabilities and limitations of the intelligence types

Understanding the capabilities and limitations of specific collection platforms

Tactical Data Link Training

Network Enabled Capability (NEC), or Network Centric Warfare (NCW), provide enhanced military effect through improved use of information systems and Tactical Data Links (TDL). All NATO member nations and many others, utilise TDLs to exchange information and provide command and control (C2) instructions.

Depending on the TDL in use, the type of information exchanged varies, but may include: Surveillance, C2, EW and various types of management information. MASS offers TDL training in association with SyntheSys Systems Engineers as part of our existing portfolio.

Each level of TDL training may be taught as part of a general EW course or as independent subjects. The courses provide the capability to take students with little or no TDL experience, from zero knowledge through to expert level. The 3 levels are referred to as Basic, Foundation and Advanced.

Course Content

TDL courses currently available (with standard duration):

Basic 2-Day

Communications Principles (1 Day)

Introduction to TDL (1 Day)

Foundation 9-Day

Joint Range Extension Application

Protocol (1 Day)

Introduction to Link 11 (1 Day)

Introduction to Link 22 (2 Days)

Introduction to VMF (2.5 Days)

Introduction to JTIDS/MIDS Link 16 (2.5 Days)

Advanced 6-Day

Combat Net Radio Protocols-MILSTD-188-220 (2 Days)

JTIDS/MIDS Network Design and Management (4 Days)

Most courses are supported by simulators, software demonstrators and / or use of specific tools. TDL courses are accompanied by a manual specific to that subject.

Delegates also receive copies of the slides in both hand-out format and on CD. All courses are accredited to ISO 9001. Computer Based Training (CBT) is available for Introduction to JTIDS/MIDS Link 16.